Arrigo Sacchi has provided his thoughts on AC Milan’s victory and performance as they secured a 1-0 advantage ahead of the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
It was a game played at full intensity for most of the 90 minutes as both sides created and missed big chances, and Ismael Bennacer was the only one who took his as he fired in the only goal of the game in the first half.
Napoli were dealt two big blows in the second half, as Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa received two yellow cards within minutes and was sent off, and then Kim Min-jae also got a booking which rules him out of the second leg.
Sacchi spoke in his usual post-match column for La Gazzetta dello Sport and assessed the performance of the Rossoneri in a game where the pressure was on them to try and get a lead to take south.
“Rhythm and speed worthy of the Champions League, Milan and Napoli played a first half at European level and this is the first aspect to underline because in Serie A we are not used to such intense matches,” he said.
“At the beginning, the domination of Spalletti’s team was evident: they created several opportunities and Maignan was very good. Milan, however, were able to resist and restart. And in one of these restarts they built the opening goal.
“Very good from Brahim Diaz who, in my opinion, has found the ideal location on the right wing. Overall, however, I admired an international stage show in the first half. This is how you have to play: with courage, with the desire to amaze and to go beyond your limits.
“The decline in the second half was quite clear, also because the players had already spent a lot of energy. There was less brilliance, less pace in the actions and Napoli made the mistake of getting nervous.
“Anguissa’s sending off is clear evidence of the attitude of Spalletti’s boys: a red card taken naively. And yet Milan failed to exploit the numerical superiority in the final match. Indeed, if you think about it, it was Napoli who had a good shout for a draw and Maignan again outdid himself.
“I think it is not possible to say who is the favourite for the next round: the challenge is still very balanced. In the return leg, Napoli will be able to make use of the fans’ push, and it is no small thing for a team that must try to put the result back in order.
“I still believe the chances of qualifying are fifty percent. But in addition to the match at San Siro, this week’s Champions League also gave the splendid performance of Inter who suddenly made themselves admired by all of Italy.”
Great game. Napoli came out fiery, but, we knew Milan would calm them down. Great goalkeeper – Maignan deserves a lot of credit for keeping Napoli at bay. Who ever thought we would not miss Donnarumma. It seems the second leg is the star match next week. It’s gonna be tough, but, I see Milan coming out tops. Their defending will be better, and, they will pounce on Napoli’s errors.